I tell myself that because when I do look in the mirror..I do not know that women looking back at me. Those are not my eyes, that is not my hair, it sure is not my face or body. Why are my eyes so funny looking? why is my hair falling out? Why am I so fat? Why don't my friends and family recognize me any more? Why do people look at me funny?Oh yes, I know I have Graves' Disease and Thyroid Eye Disease. When I was first diagnosed nobody told me my appearance would change so much. Nobody told me my hair would fall out? Nobody told me I would get skinny being Hyper and then get fat going Hypo. Nobody told me my laughing face would turn into a sad worried face. Nobody told me I would age so fast. That I would be so tired and sleep so much. That I would forget so much of my life, names and places. Nobody told me I would walk with a cane at 55. Nobody told me I would qualify for Big print books for the blind. Nobody told me I would qualify for Disability by the time I was 55. Nobody told me my doctor would recommend me to a mental specialist for depression. Nobody told me my skin would get so dry and my nails so brittle that I can't keep them long any more. Nobody told me friends and family would actually believe I was taking drugs to get high or drinking too much. Nobody told me I would fall down for no reason. Nobody told me my joints would hurt so bad. Nobody told me I would need so many eye surgeries. Nobody told me I would not have the energy to walk down the block. Nobody told me I would not be able to drive at 52. Nobody told me I would not be able to leave my house because of how I felt. Nobody told me people would think I wasn't really sick, when I was going through hell. Why didn't anybody tell me what to expect? Why didn't I ever hear about Graves' Disease or TED before? Why? Why? Why?So many questions, so many whys. But most of all WHY ME!And so this is why we need information. This is why we need awareness. This is why we must spread the word. And now I know why I am here today. Why I have this disease. It is to tell you my story and maybe you who are new to this disease can say. SOMEBODY cared enough to tell me what to expect. Somebody told me to relax and take a break from my Thyroid Disease.....Somebody told me I am not alone.

Elaine

I am the person that started the first coffee break. I Have had Graves' Disease for at least 10 years. I also have Thyroid Eye Disease. I give Thyroid Disease Support . My goal in life is to inform the public about Thyroid Disease.